What Is the Size of a Regulation Soccer Goal Post?

It may be surprising to you, but many people including soccer players and some school coaches have no idea about the right size of the soccer goal.

If you thought that the size of goals was the same everywhere, then it is time you read the article fully and understood the different goal sizes.

The size differs depending on which authority is conducting the games. It will also differ depending on where it is played and what the need for the game is.

The various organizations that conduct the game also have specific instructions about the goal size. If all this is confusing you about soccer goal dimensions this article is sure to bring a lot of clarity.

Understanding the Goal and Its Surroundings

Before we go into the sizes of the goals it is better to gather a little knowledge about the goal and its surrounding areas. The position of the goal is on the goal line. This is the line that marks the boundary of the soccer field.

This is where both sides aim to reach using the large area in between them. All the players put in their efforts and sweat it out with the single aim of crossing this line.

The goal is placed at the center of the goal line at an equal distance from both corner flags.

The box is one of the critical areas in soccer where the climax or anti-climax happens. The box is defined by two lines placed 5.5 m from the vertical posts and going up to 5.5 m into the playing area.

The two lines are joined by another line completing the box. Beyond this is the penalty box which is 16.5 m distance from the posts going 16.4 m into the pitch. The penalty kick is performed in this area.

What Do the Fifa Goal Regulations Mandate?

Everyone knows that all international soccer games are regulated by the rules laid down by FIFA, the international body government soccer.

FIFA governs the various organizations that govern football, futsal, eFootball and beach soccer. As FIFA governs the most popular and competitive soccer games around the world, most football leagues around the world try to have the same rules for the game.

FIFA also has definite regulations concerning the soccer goal post dimensions which must be followed for games they regulate.

FIFA defines the goal as two vertical poles that are placed at the same distance from each corner flag and connected by a horizontal bar.

It also mandates that the posts and the horizontal bar should be made of materials that are approved by the Federation. They are made either of heavy gauge steel or aluminum.

What is important is that they are made strong and durable. Safety measures are taken to prevent any injury to players or officials in the arena.

The dimensions for a regular goal post are 24′ x 8′ (7.32m x 2.44m) and FIFA permits the use of nets at the goal. The net can be attached to the goal if the goalie is not obstructed in any way.

The net must be attached in such a way that it is at the same level as the crossbar on top. The net must extend two feet behind the goal. There must not be any holes or gaps in the net that will allow the ball to go through.

FIFA has set clear rules about broken or damaged goals. If there is damage to the crossbar or it is broken by any cause, then the play cannot continue until it is replaced or repaired fully.

If a replacement cannot be done during the course of the match, then that match has to be discontinued and abandoned. You cannot use any temporary arrangement in place of the crossbar. The play will resume with a dropped ball.

Fifa Regulated Size for the Goal

The height of the regulation size soccer goal which is the distance from the ground to the bottom portion of the horizontal top bar should be 8 feet. The two vertical beams which support the crossbar must be placed at a distance of 24 feet from each other.

The thickness of both the top bar and the vertical posts must be less than 5 inches and must be the same for all the pieces.

The upright poles and the crossbars must be made with approved materials and should be round, square or elliptical shape. They should only be painted in white.

Fifa Rules That Guide Futsal

Futsal is a game very popularly played in many parts of the European continent and other parts of the world. But recently it has gained popularity in the US also. This game is normally played in an indoor court.

The pitch is a hardcourt. The field is smaller than the normal soccer field as it is played indoors. As with soccer, the goal is of the same shape and design.

It must be made of similar materials approved by FIFA. You can use nets. Portable goals can be placed if they can be secured and prevented from toppling.

As the size of the field is smaller than soccer, the soccer goals measurements are also smaller. As in soccer, the goal is placed in the middle of the goal line at the same distance from the two corner flags.

The distance between the two posts is 3 m when measured inside. The distance from the underside of the top bar to the pitch must be measuring 2 m. All the parts in the goal must have the same thickness of 8 cm.

Goal Size Regulations Laid Down by the NCAA

The NCAA or the National Collegiate Athletic Association has laid down clear guidelines about the size of the goals for use in games regulated by them. The size of the goals is the same as the standard soccer goal size mandated by FIFA.

The horizontal bar must sit at 8 feet height from the ground whereas the vertical posts must be 8 yards from each other. The goal should be uniformly thick at 5 inches. It must be painted in white and there cannot be any markings on it other than the logo of the maker.

Goal Sizes for Other Soccer Games

The size of the goal for the school level games as laid down by the National Federation High School also is the same as the standard size. The net can be replaced by a vertical pad of one-inch thickness and 6 feet in height.

The vertical posts can iron pipes. For beach soccer, the goals must be 7.25 feet high by 18 feet wide. For children above age 12, the standard size is used.

For others, the size varies with age. For those aged between 8 years and 12 years, the goal size can be a minimum of 6 feet height by 18 feet length.

The maximum permissible is 7 feet X 21 feet. For the six and seven-year-old children, there can be a minimum goal size of 5 feet X 10 feet and a maximum of 6 feet X 12 feet.

The minimum size for kids age 4 and 5 years the minimum width is 6 feet whereas the maximum is 10 feet. The minimum height is 4 feet and the maximum is 5 feet.

For children, however, more than being strict with the sizes, it is recommended that safety should be the main aspect. The size must be correct for them. It should help them to learn the skills of the game and enjoy it the most.

Conclusion on Soccer Goal Dimensions

Now that you have read the most descriptive article on soccer goal size you must be able to answer if someone should ask you what is the height of a professional soccer goal.

The information provided in this article is as per guidelines are given by the various authorities that control and conduct the games at various levels.

The guidelines have been laid down to standardize the game and ensure that everyone trains to play the game in the same manner. For training purposes, sometimes smaller goals are used so that they get a better practice at shooting and passing.

FAQ Related to Soccer Goal Post Dimensions

What is the size of a standard goal post?

When we talk of the size of the goal post, we must first see how tall is a soccer goal. The height is 8 feet from ground level to the bottom edge of the horizontal beam. The width of the standard goal post is 8 yards from the inner edges of the horizontal bars.

How big is a U12 soccer goal?

As per the recommendation of the US Youth Soccer the height of goal post for U12 is 7 feet and the width is 21 feet.

What size soccer goal should I buy?

If you are wondering how tall is a regulation soccer goal then it is 8 feet from the ground. The width of the standard goal is 24 feet. But the size you buy will depend on what purpose you are buying.

If you are buying for professional, college, or school football games then you can buy the standard sized goal. But for other purposes, you must consult the guidelines given.

What is the size of a U14 soccer field?

The size of the U14 soccer field is equal to what the 11-a-side game is played on which is 82 meters long and 50 meters wide.

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